Chrysler Sebring Convertible Top and Sunroof Problems

ClairesClaires Member Posts: 1,222
edited December 2013 in Chrysler
Discuss issues related to the Sebring's convertible top -- care, problems, rear window, etc.

MODERATOR

Need help getting around? claires@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.

Tell everyone about your buying experience: Write a Dealer Review

«13

Comments

  • mseningenmseningen Member Posts: 27
    2001 LXI, assuming the weatherstripping must be going bad.
    Where is best place (hoping other than dealership) to
    find this part? Is it a do it yourself job?

    Mike
  • mseningenmseningen Member Posts: 27
    I'm getting an air leak/whistle from the front center
    of the top when closed. Seems worse in the cold and
    when driving into wind.

    Anyone recommend a weatherstrip material to adhere to the
    bottom of the convertible top?

    Even if the weatherstripping on the windshield part is
    deteriating -- it looks to be one huge piece and surely
    must cost a fortune.

    Padding/filling the gap from the convertible top perspective seems the right choice.

    thanks,

    m
  • iwantws6iwantws6 Member Posts: 26
    What exactly is the purpose of boots on convertibles? Is it just for appearance?
  • varobvarob Member Posts: 15
    My understanding is that it's pretty much for appearance. Works, doesn't it. It will also keep soot and other dirt out of the well.
  • safire609safire609 Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    I have a 98 sebring JXi convertible and had the roof restitched at the same time I mentioned to the guy that air came through, he adjusted the hooks that are on the roof that hook into the car. You need an allen or star wrench to tighten these up and that will fix the problem!
    I hope this helps you!

    FYI - I also had a problem with my car almost stalling/losing power for anywhere from 1 min to 5 mins. I had the car to a Chrysler dealership but they couldn't figure out what was wrong ... finally a mechanic friend of mine found the problem ... it was the catalytic converter!

    Also the # 1 cylinder has gone bad twice ... it misfires and the car runs like crap!

    I am currently having a problem with my oil light flickering? I replaced the oil pressure switch but it is still doing it. It happens when stopped at a light if I give a little gas the light goes out ... any suggestions?

    Thank You ...
  • kenitzerkenitzer Member Posts: 19
    I'm not a mechanic, but I suspect the flickering oil light means you need a new oil pump. I say this from experience with other vehicles. The symptoms you describe are exactly what happened with our Ford E150 van just before I had to have the oil pump replaced. Best of luck.
  • fanmanndfanmannd Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2001 convertible. I'm trying to find a solution for wind noise when top is closed. The drivers side latch does not pull tight even after adjusting the pin (hook). The manual does not show ways to adjust the top and I really want to learn how to adjust it w/o taking it to the dealership. Surely someone can help me?

    Thanks,
    Jim
  • ctfoytctfoyt Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 Sebring Conv GTC. I am moving from Las Vegas to the New England states. How does the conv. top hold up to the winters there, (i.e snow on top). What other advise could someone provide to winterize my car for the weather there? Someone has told me I would need a heater for the engine, is that true?
  • fanmanndfanmannd Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2001 convertible. I'm trying to find a solution for wind noise when top is closed. The drivers side latch does not pull tight even after adjusting the pin (hook). The manual does not show ways to adjust the top and I really want to learn how to adjust it w/o taking it to the dealership. Surely someone can help me? This is my 2nd posting for this question. Somebody please help me out or lead me in the right direction!

    Thanks,
    Jim
  • justme81280justme81280 Member Posts: 1
    I currently own a '97 Sebring Convertible and would like to wash the top. I don't know what to use to wash the black streaks away and what to use to preserve the top. You know, so the top beads up water? Can anyone suggest something to me?
    Thanks so much,
    Kathy
  • neonitisneonitis Member Posts: 11
    Hey Kathy you might try using 303 Aerospace vinyl convertible top kit.I saw a write up on it online while googling 303 Aerospace vinyl cleaner.Seems the huge RV industry rave its ability to clean/protect your vinyl, leather,rubber etc.I went to Yahoo.com shopping and entered 303 Aerospace vinyl convertible top kit and found many stores online selling it from 19.99 to 29.99.Bought it and tried it on my 2005 Chrysler Sebring Touring(26k Miles V6-2.7L,5-20w Mobil1 synthetic oil,K&N air filter, get 24mpg-city,28mpg hwy) vert and wow, worked gr8!.It gives it a real "new look" even after drying.Good for the leather seats too.
    BTW how is your '97 Sebring Vert doing?How many miles do you have?V6?2.7L?Have you had any problems?
    David
  • coachbriancoachbrian Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Sebring LX convertible and the right convertible top clamp seems to need an adjustment in order to clamp the roof more snugly to the windshield frame.
    Anyone have a solution to this? I can't seem to find any adjustment on the part itself.
  • jenni56jenni56 Member Posts: 1
    Hello - I live in England and have just bought a 2nd hand '04 Sebring convertible which is quite unusual over here. We love the car but have noticed that the roof is beginning to separate from the rear window glass which is a bit worrying as it rains a lot here in Devon. Can anyone tell me is this is something I can fix myself with some kind of generic glue or something or is it more complicated than that. Otherwise we love the car, having just sold our '93 Lebaron to get this.
  • paplauskaspaplauskas Member Posts: 1
    I have a '96 Sebring convertible with the same problem. I dealt with it in the following way:

    1. From the inside, I placed "duct" tape (a heavy duty tape, very adhesive, used to seal heating ducts in the U.S.) over the entire inside edge of the top, overlapping the window by about 1/2 inch. So that from the outside there is a narrow cavity formed between the window and roof.

    2. Using marine silicone adhesive, I spread a generous line of the adhesive in the cavity described above, even with the top edge of the window.

    3. After the adhesive has cured (I waited a week), I poured water over the seal to test for any leaks. Then applied more of the adhesive to the area where the leak was located.

    This approach was performed last summer, and it lasted throughout the winter and spring. I should mention that the vehicle is kept garaged all year round.

    Good luck!
  • janeeversbyjaneeversby Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know anything about electrical problems with the convertible roof opening on its own and/or the back windshield glass breaking? :sick:
  • nctoyotanctoyota Member Posts: 3
    anyone have a remedty for squeaky windows rubbing against the weather stripping when the top is up? Also, anyone fixed problem with a tapping sound in the top of a Sebring?
  • fireman93fireman93 Member Posts: 2
    I read the duct tape, I don't think it will work in Texas. Does anyone have any other suggestions. They tell me I have to replace my top "$2000" I hope not. Help please
  • fireman93fireman93 Member Posts: 2
    My top does not stick to my glass anymore. Does anyone have a suggestion, besides duct tape.
  • guestguest Member Posts: 770
    ya go get double sided carpet tape its super sticky clean window well nice day then double sided tape it same tape they use on indoor outdoor carpet strong k and flexes a litte stick that in there keep ya good for wile then redo it agian till u can buy a new top off ebay 165 get canvas top over the vinal ones last longer k
  • bookindexerbookindexer Member Posts: 2
    I've had a 2002 Sebring LXi for about two weeks. The sunroof recently stopped opening to the vent position -- both buttons now open the sunroof from front to back. Neither just lifts the back to the vent position. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a way I can "reprogram" the "1" button? Or am I just out of luck with the vent setting?
  • bigu69bigu69 Member Posts: 2
    any thoughts on cost and where to acquire a boot for a 2006 sebring convertible outside of the dealership.
  • ridhillridhill Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2001 convt as well. What I did to get the top tighter is to buy some strips of velcro, and use the soft side. I cut a small piece and used the sticky side to attach it to the metal piece that the latch hooks around. This in effect will tighten up the top. It worked on mine.
  • lovin_lifelovin_life Member Posts: 2
    Hello BigU69. I don't know what color you are looking for however Ebay is a great place. I purchased my boot for $125 New, including shipping which saved me about $250 from buying it from the dealer. I have a 2005 Silver Sebring and the Taupe (dark grey) color looks great on the car. The seller is Glitter and Gadgets Collectables. They do not come with a cover/bag but if you keep a blanket in the trunk just cover the boot up when your finished with it to keep it in good shape.
    Happy Shopping -
  • bigu69bigu69 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the information. I will check out ebay again and also try to find a site for Glitter & Gadgets. The 2006 boot is different from the 2005 but the price sure sounds right.
  • lovin_lifelovin_life Member Posts: 2
    Hey Big,
    It looks like the boots will fit 01-06. Here is some helpful information. Go to Ebay and click the Advanced Search. Where it says From Sellers enter sellers ID: cegadjets This will bring up all items that they sell. I looked tonight and they still have boots on there. The BUY IT NOW option is how I purchased mine. I'm very happy with it.
  • pkgman2pkgman2 Member Posts: 13
    I just talked to a shop here in Washington that said the rear window assembly (adhered to the top) is a piece available separately from the "top". Don't know much about it, new car to me and i was just looking for some good cleaner/protector for the top. the PO didn't take care of the top well.
  • mikebuckleymikebuckley Member Posts: 16
    I just bought my first convertible, a 2006 demo Sebring Limited, and I have a summer usage question. :shades: Will the leather interior last longer if I leave the top up during hot, summer days or if I put the top down?

    My thinking is that if I leave the top and windows up, the interior gets very hot but the leather is not exposed to UV rays. If I put the top down, the leather doesn't endure as much heat but it's exposed to the UV rays. I don't know which situation is harder on the leather interior and searching the Internet hasn't provided anything helpful.

    (The car is parked outside day and night.)

    Thanks in advance for your help!
  • mikebuckleymikebuckley Member Posts: 16
    My 2006 Sebring convertible is a new demo. I've owned it for a month and it has 6500 miles.

    There are two spots on the fabric top -- on the left side and on the opposite place on the right side -- just above the trunk where the fabric is showing signs of wear. The dealer I bought it from looked at it on a Saturday and asked that I show it to their soft-top specialist who is available only during the week.

    My thinking is that the fabric is not problematic. Instead, my intuition tells me that it is faulty mechanics and/or design of the retracting mechanism that is causing the wear. If I'm right and the dealer replaces only the top, the same problem will occur with the new top.

    This is my first convertible so I have no experience. If you have knowledge or information that will help me sort through this with my Chrysler dealer, I would appreciate hearing from you.
  • mikebuckleymikebuckley Member Posts: 16
    The dealer's soft-top specialist told me that the wear in the fabric top is being caused by improperly adjusted retracting mechanism. The solution is to adjust the mechanism and replace the top.

    He wrote up a formal report so it is now in my written records. He recommended that I wait until a hole develops or until the warranty is about to run out, whichever comes first, to fix it. That way I get a new top at the timing of my choice.
  • phillypaphillypa Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2001 Sebring Limited and it has held up well. When I needed something a little more dependable I bought the 2008 Sebring Touring. Big Mistake so far. It's left me stranded twice and I've only had it for 3,000 miles and 3 months. When I put the roof down, the trunk didn't close. It is left open like a big sail. I called the dealership and they instructed me to call roadside assistance. Roadside assistance refused to tow it in fear of damaging the trunk. You can't leave it sit wide open - theft - weather - etc. So the only thing to do is drive it very slow home. Hopefully you're not far from home. It's been well over three weeks and they can't fix it - "bad parts" by the manufacturer. The dealership manually closed the roof so I could drive it, but I'm instructed not to put the roof down. I'm also told that it will be several more weeks before they can look at it again. Be real careful if your looking to buy this car. This is a major engineering problem and makes the car very unreliable.
    Besides this it runs smooth, but the 2.7 engine is very sluggish. It has to work real hard to get up to highway speed. The 2001 limited has a lot more power.
  • jackieh2jackieh2 Member Posts: 17
    I purchased a 2008 Sebring Touring, V6, with all the options, on July 11, 2007. Before I drove it off the dealer's lot, I experienced problems with the driver's side visor hanging loose and the trim to which it is attached--also not fastened down. The electronics had big problems: the remote start and remote top didn't work, the trunk didn't close properly, causing other problems. I drove it home with instructions to take it back next day. Since then, the car has been in and out of the dealership while they wait for "fixes" from Chrysler. I've been without it for a total of 33 days, as of today. The thing that scares me: the spontaneous operation of the convertible top--when the car is in motion. THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN. The dealer's service manager is at a loss on how to correct the problems and Chrysler is no help. My calls to Chrysler's customer service department is another story. Check out the other owner comments on Topix...this car is bad news. My dealer has been great and I'm on my third rental car (at someone's expense). I've filed a complaint under my state's (VA) Lemon Law. I don't even know if I want another 2008 Sebring convertible at this point. There are problems with them nationwide--the engineering of that fancy folding roof is seriously flawed. And closing the trunk takes a lot of muscle--difficult for a 5' 0' female.
    Think twice before buying this nightmare. Learn from others' mistakes.
  • jackieh2jackieh2 Member Posts: 17
    If you have one of these cars, make sure you carry a big tarp in the trunk in case the top gets stuck in the up position.
  • tncarmantncarman Member Posts: 82
    The window stripping on my drivers door is ripping by the rearview mirror and where the window reaches the roof, u can actually stick ur finger out of the car. We didnt notice this until one day my son was driving and came back soaking wet because he went to the car wash and water poured in through it and got him drenched. It was a good laugh though, but nobody Ive been to seems to fix the problem.
  • kimberlypkimberlyp Member Posts: 4
    I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS YOU WITH THIS CAR THAT I THOUGHT WAS OH SO GREAT. THESE SUPPOSED PARTS THAT ARE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER CAME IN AND WERE REPLACED IN MY CAR TODAY. I JUST GOT IT BACK AND THE TOP IS STILL BROKEN. I DO NOT TRUST ANYTHING ANYONE IS TELLING ME AT THE DEALERSHIP ANYMORE. AT LEAST YOU GOT A RENTAL, NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING FOR ME, NOT EVEN CHRYSLER. I AM GOING TO BE WRITING A LETTER TO THEM AND CC'ING IT TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. I'VE HAD THE CAR 3 MONTHS AND HAVE ONLY USED THE TOP DOWN 2 WEEKS IN THE BEGINNING. I ALSO HAD A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN. GOOD LUCK TO YOU BECAUSE I KNOW I NEED IT!
  • jackieh2jackieh2 Member Posts: 17
    KimberlyP: I picked up my Sebring from the dealer again yesterday--for the fourth time. The dealership has been nothing short of GREAT. I feel that Chrysler isn't supporting the dealers on this. I told the sales director that if I have to take it back in again, I WANT MY MONEY BACK. I've filed a complaint under the Virginia Lemon Law and it is clear--multiple attempts (in my case four) to fix the problem OR 30 days TOTAL in the shop. Yesterday was day 39 for me and I just bought the piece of junk on July 11. Chrysler tried to call me yesterday re. "complaint resolution" but now we're playing telephone tag. Even though your dealer is uncooperative, go to your state consumer affairs. Every state has a Lemon Law and they are pretty specific--there is a booklet on your Lemon Law rights in the owner's package you got with the car. These are known problems and Chrysler hasn't a let to stand on. No wonder their market share is in the dump. My dealer has only sold two of this model and both have had problems. Suggestion: Google Lemon Laws for your state if the booklet isn't in your package. Good luck. I wish I could make this problem known nationwide. Don't give up and don't put up with the dealer's c**p. Have you tried to contact Chryser?
  • kimberlypkimberlyp Member Posts: 4
    JACKIEH2: I HAVE TRIED TO DEAL WITH CHRYSLER AND THEY TOLD ME BASICALLY, SORRY, CAN'T DO ANYTHING FOR YOU, CALL THE DEALERSHIP. I TOLD THE LADY IT'S NOT THE DEALERSHIPS FAULT THAT THEY CAN'T MAKE THEIR PARTS RIGHT AND THAT THEY ARE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND IT'S THREE TIMES IN IT'S THE LEMON LAW. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY, SATURDAY, I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER AND I AM NOW GETTING A LOANER ON MONDAY. FINALLY. THE FIRST TIME I CALLED CHYRSLER THEY ASKED ME WHAT I WANTED AND I TOLD THEM JUST FIX THE CAR RIGHT AND THEY ASKED PERMANENTLY? WHAT A STUPID QUESTION. NOW I'M BEGINNING TO THINK I SHOULD HAVE SAID JUST GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK. GOOD LUCK AND LET ME KNOW HOW THINGS GO. I WILL KEEP IN TOUCH.
  • jackieh2jackieh2 Member Posts: 17
    Kimberly: If you haven't already done so, start a claim through Florida's Lemon Law. I started documenting everything from the day I picked up the vehicle with a number of factory defects. I sent a written, certified mail complaint to Chrysler and kept a chronological report of dates and incidents. After the third trip to the dealership and 30+ days out of service, I filed a claim with VA consumer affairs. Even though I've had the car back for two days and the top elecrtonics haven't malfunctioned, I letting the claim stand. My gut feeling is to ask for a full refund as I have no confidence in this vehicle. Again, I have to say my dealership has been superb in working with me, providing me a string of rental cars, and keeping me notified of any progress. I've also sent a message to Consumer's Union suggesting an investigation of this model/year.
    My dealings with Chrysler's customer service have not been a positive experience. Good luck.
  • mikebuckleymikebuckley Member Posts: 16
    Kimberly,

    The best thing you can do is to get a signed receipt from the dealer that they have fixed it. Don't test it before you drive it off their lot. Test it later. If it doesn't work, take it back in again. Do that repeatedly until they have fixed it three times and it has failed your test four times. You can then file a formal complaint regarding the lemon law.

    Complaining to the Better Business Bureau will likely yield absolutely nothing.

    You'll probably get more and better responses if you don't type your posts in upper-case letters. The Netiquette is that that's the equivalent of screaming.
  • phillypaphillypa Member Posts: 4
    For a while I thought I was the only one having this problem. It's now five weeks that my roof/trunk have been broken and no arrangements to get it fixed. They closed it so it can be driven, I just can't put the roof down. The dealership that sold it to me has now gone out of business. The Chrysler franchise was given to another dealership and they have not been able to schedule a repair date. I told them I was going to file under the lemon law - it's been in the shop three times and still not fixed. They asked to be given a chance to fix it. It's not that I don't trust them, I think this is just a bad car and I don't want it for another five years. I agree with with jackieh2 - protect yourself and file under the lemon law. Jackieh2 - I was surprised to see that you can close the trunk - when I read the manual it said it was very difficult and that you need a special tool?
  • kimberlypkimberlyp Member Posts: 4
    mikebuckley: Sorry about the cap locks, just used to having it on. Anyway, I talked to someone about the Lemon Law and was told that I would probably only be refunded money that I put into it, but that wouldn't include the trade-in. I got a rental from the dealership today and they said that the new parts they put in blew the motor and the switches (which they replaced the first time). They said my car should be ready tomorrow, we'll see how it goes. Jackieh: Glad to hear everything is going good with your car for the past two days. I will do the same in writing a certified letter to Chrysler. Since they have not helped you, I feel they will do the same for me, nothing.
  • jackieh2jackieh2 Member Posts: 17
    philly: My trunk has never been stuck in the air--I just got the message "Convertible Top in Operation." The top has never actually operated--just scared the heck out of me diving in the rain! You are correct, if the top gets stuck, you have to get the vehicle towed to the the dealership where they use a special tool. I'm talking about the difficulty of closing the trunk under normal conditions.
    I think my top problems may be fixed. I have the car back and everything is working fine. The service director says they corrected a "misalignment" of the trunk--it was off 1/8 of an inch--he "thinks" that may have caused the problem. I don't believe Chrysler has been too helpful to the dealers. In truth, I'm not convinced they know what is wrong with these cars.
    I am leaving my Lemon Law claim in place. I'm not optimistic that this car is going to behave. Chrysler sent me a "customer satisfaction" survey--I sent them an electronic rocket in response.
  • jackieh2jackieh2 Member Posts: 17
    I think most of us are having problems with the soft top but does anyone have the retractable hard top with the same problems (do they have the same mechanism)? This was asked on another forum. I think perhaps the dealers are selling more "rag" tops than hard tops--the latter cost quite a bit more but many of us prefer the rag top in any case.
    My dealer told me he just got another six of these vehicles delivered and none of them has the misaligned trunk like the first ones he received (including mine). Maybe Chrysler corrected the problem on subsequent "lots." Why are they not issuing a recall?????
  • bbonneybbonney Member Posts: 1
    Well, I see I am not alone! On Aug 27 my top retracted and the trunk stayed up in the air. Today, 18 days later, the car is still at the dealer. Apparently they can't fix it. They are very matter of fact about it telling me there are 40 switches and the new model has a few 'bugs'. Meanwhile I'm paying a whopping big monthly car payment while they try to figure out the bugs. I live in the mountains and very soon it will be much too cold to enjoy a convertible. I bought the car in June and this is the 2nd time I've had trouble with the top, so I've gotten very little enjoyment out of this car! All I get from the dealer is one promise after another. Switches are on backorder, motors are too. Is this supposed to make me feel better? I've asked for another car. Not possible. I've called the corporation's help line in Michigan. Still awaiting a callback. And now I hear that Chrysler is getting ready to recall the Sebring. Wow - what an expensive mistake this car was!! Wish I'd stuck with the Mustang! Has ANYONE out there finally gotten the top fixed once and for all?
  • phillypaphillypa Member Posts: 4
    bbonney, My top/truck failed six weeks ago for the second time and has no repair date as yet. The last time it was in for repairs (a month ago)they told me that they can't get the parts to fix it. They closed it up, so it can be driven, I just can't put the roof down. You should have received a booklet with Lemon Law instructions. Use it. Since the dealer had mine three times (before they went out of business) I completed the form and sent to Chrysler last week. Hopefully, I'll be able to return this car for a full refund. If I don't like the response Chrysler gives, I'll contact a Lemon Law attorney. When your trunk wouldn't close, did they tow it? Both times that mine failed the tow company (dispatched through Chyrsler's Roadside Assistance) refused to tow it for fear of damaging it. I had to drive it back to the dealer with it open @ 5/10 mph - for 20 miles. I did see an article in the Philadelpia paper regarding a recall on 2008 Sebrings, but it was for some kind of door latch issue. I've seen nothing regarding our issue.
  • jackieh2jackieh2 Member Posts: 17
    Everyone with these problems, PLEASE, PLEASE pursue remedy through your state's Lemon Law. These problems are not isolated cases and we all need to keep Chrysler's feet to the fire. My car's history meets both criteria for refund or replacement--I only need one. I'm waiting for determination from my state office of consumer affairs. I don't believe I want another 2008 Sebring as they all seem to have problems. Why is Chrysler still shipping them? My dealership has been nothing short of superb in their support. Chrysler sent me had an automated message via e-mail!!! They have been worse than bad. I've had a Mustang and like them but for the rear wheel drive.
    Don't bother with Better Business Bureau--Lemon Law is the only way to go. I wrote to Consumers Union but they pretty much said they don't have the time to investigate these problems at this time. Good luck to everyone who has one of these dogs!
  • jackieh2jackieh2 Member Posts: 17
    Has anyone on this formum had their problems corrected or received satisfaction from Chrysler or via their respective state's Lemon Law? I haven't heard a word from Chrysler although they got a copy of my Lemon Law claim and I have a receipt from the USPS so I know they have it. I'm interested in knowing if I am being ignored or if this is Chrysler's MO for "customer service."

    I see there is one of these cars sitting outside my local Costco. I was tempted to put a "Do Not Buy This Dog" on it.
  • phillypaphillypa Member Posts: 4
    Jackieh2: I mailed my card about two weeks ago. I called the Customer Service number from the Chrysler website and after a number of prompts, was able to talk with someone. She acknowleged receipt of the complaint and gave me the reference number assigned to it. She couldn't tell me the status, but said someone will be in contact. At least I know they have it. As for the car, it was seven weeks ago today the top/trunk failed and they still can not find good parts to fix it.
  • jackieh2jackieh2 Member Posts: 17
    My dealership's service department spent a lot of time on the phone with Chrysler. Apparently the trunk was out of alignment. They "think" they corrected the misalignment and so far, so good. I've had no more alarming messages on the console since I last picked up the car two weeks ago. However, I have no confidence in this car and am letting the Lemon Law claim stand.
    My top has never been stuck during operation--I think it is pretty noisy however.
    I have a reference number from Chrysler but I'm waiting for some action from Virginia Consumer Services. They need to evaluate my case. The wheels of government...
  • jackieh2jackieh2 Member Posts: 17
    Ooops!!!! I spoke too soon. I thought my problems had been fixed--wrong!!! The "top in operation" message is back on and the problem has clearly not been corrected. I honestly don't think Chrysler knows how to fix these problems. I've finally run out of patience. I'll keep you all informed about what response I get from Chrysler--I'm not optimistic. :lemon:
  • mikebuckleymikebuckley Member Posts: 16
    Jackie: So sorry to learn that your problem persists.

    The big-picture issue is that you appear to have to resort to your lemon law claim. If the people in the system of dealers and manufacturers were credible in the way they handle these situations, there would be absolutely no need for lemon laws. The fact that so many (all?) states have lemon laws is a testament to the fact that the automobile industry is notoriously deficient in the way they choose to handle these situations.

    For me, Chrysler sold the dealer the car and the dealer sold you the car. Both should be bending over backwards to provide you a new car or to return all of your money on the simple basis that neither has provided you a reasonable expectation. The proof of the pudding is that if the same sort of thing happened to the CEOs of your dealership or Chrysler, neither one of them would put up with this sort of situation. And for good reasons, the same reasons that you shouldn't have to.

    If I were in your situation, I would have a very serious conversation with the CEO of the dealership. If that person doesn't give you immediate and total satisfaction, I would explain the power of the Internet, the power of explaining to potential customers how the dealership is treating you, and the power of local media coverage of your situation.

    The dealer's relationship with Chrysler is irrelevant to you because you bought the car from the dealer, not the manufacturer. Despite that, you gave the manufacturer every reasonable opportunity to take care of you and you haven't been taken care of. So, it is now the dealer's opportunity to make you a happy customer and keep you that for life -- or lose you and everyone you tell this story to for life.

    As an example, I bought a computer recently. I also bought a 5-year protection plan. All of the written materials that were given to me as an incentive to purchase the protection plan were blatantly misleading. The company providing the protection plan lived up to their lowest possible requirements relating to the letter of the agreement, but there was no good-faith attempt to live up to the spirit of the agreement. When I explained this to the general manager of the computer store (a mega-store that is part of a 20-store chain), he verified everything and was appalled. Without me having to ask, he offered to immediately return 100% of my funds. Because his reaction to my situation instilled confidence in every way, I used those funds to purchase a new computer at his store, though this time with no protection plan. So long as that general manager remains with the company, he has my computer business for life.

    It would be SO easy for people at Chrysler and your dealer to act similarly, yet they apparently won't. It would be the moral thing to do and it would be the smart business decision to make. The fact that they don't speaks volumes about their integrity and their process for making business decisions.
Sign In or Register to comment.